Location
Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands
BC, Canada
Drive-in Access
All-Inclusive?
All-inclusive lodges include:
  • accommodation
  • all equipment/gear/tackle
  • boats and fuel
  • guiding
  • all meals
  • fish processing (unless fishing is catch-and-release only)
See below to find out exactly what is included in the price.
Fishing
saltwater,
Guided
8 hours/day
Fly fishing (Ocean fly-fishing for Coho)
RATING
210 reviews

No ratings or reviews.

Overview

Surrounded by coastal rainforest & enormous fish, our Port Renfrew, BC Fishing Lodge & Hotel is the perfect setting for a lifelong memory.

Just a two hour drive from Victoria, Trailhead Resort is a full-service fishing lodge and hotel in Port Renfrew, BC. Our guests experience the West Coast lifestyle straight from check-in. Our luxurious fishing lodge is decorated with Vancouver Island fishing paraphernalia and local first nations artwork. Delicious West Coast cuisine with BC seafood and homemade deserts are enjoyed by all of our wonderful Fishing Package guests.

Family owned, built and operated, Trailhead Resort began as an ambitious family dream over 20 years ago. Over the past two decades – through hard work, fantastic service, and with great guests coming back year after year – Trailhead Resort has turned itself into Port Renfrew BC’s most beloved fishing lodge & hotel.

THE TRAILHEAD FISHING EXPERIENCE
Fishing on the West Coast of Vancouver Island is a wild adventure. Surrounded by temperate rainforest and active wildlife, not to mention some of the best trophy salmon and halibut fishing on the planet, Port Renfrew truly is paradise… West Coast style!

As you head off in one of our 3 custom-built boats from Silver Streak, our destination is the Swiftsure Bank: home to the hungriest salmon and halibut in North American waters. If you like active fish, we’ve got ’em, and we’ve got plenty of experience in helping our guests get face-to-face with their catch! Most fishing days, we limit out – catching the maximum number of fish allowed per license.

We’ve got the best gear, all of it in new condition, and the best guides and staff, all with years of experience in Port Renfrew fishing charters and trained to consider the needs of our guests to be top priority. Book your next salmon and halibut fishing trip at Trailhead and you’ll encounter some of the biggest fish you’ll ever see. It’s what keeps our guests coming back, year after year.

EPIC SALMON FISHING
Trailhead Resort is located on Vancouver Island in Port Renfrew, BC – very close to the Swiftsure Bank – and with all these trophy salmon swimming past our front door on route to their spawning streams, nothing beats the sport salmon fishing at Trailhead Resort. The Swiftsure Bank is a heavily visited feeding ground for salmon heading to spawn on the Fraser River, Columbia River, Puget Sound or our Vancouver Island runs at Nitinat, Port San Juan, or Sooke. The prolific schools of baitfish that congregate in the area attract the hungriest trophy salmon and create amazing fishing conditions.

We target mature salmon who are taking on large stores of protein as they prepare for the big river run they are about to make. When the bite comes on watch out! You’re in for an epic battle with long screamer runs with the wily fish turning and running straight at you, jumping and shaking its head as it fights to unhook itself – sometimes successfully (at least you have a story of “the big one that got away”).

Join in at whatever level you are comfortable with; whether you want the guide to set up your fish and hand you the rod, or you want to do it yourself, there is no problem either way. If you want to help out with the rigging or learn how to do it yourself, our expert guides are more than happy to show you the ropes. Talk it over with your guide and he will make it happen.

We usually do the netting just so you don’t end up hating your best friend over a missed fish, but that’s negotiable also. It’s fun, it takes skill, and we catch a lot of beautiful shiny salmon (and you take a lot of delicious fish home with you). There are very few things that equal the heart-in-throat excitement of a big slab battling you with all his strength and the tricks, the fear and the anticipation you experience throughout this fight.

CANADA’S BEST HALIBUT FISHING
Halibut are a migratory fish, traveling great distances each spring to come into shallower waters to feed and spawn. Port Renfrew is surrounded by famous halibut feeding grounds and over the past 20 years, the experienced guides at Trailhead Resort have discovered hundreds of the best halibut fishing spots along the west coast of Vancouver Island and around the legendary Swiftsure Bank, some of the most productive halibut grounds in the world!

On BC’s West Coast we frequently target “Chicken Halibut”, which are nice fish that typically range from 20 to 50lbs. Larger halibut are often found laying on lesser populated humps in nearby waters, with the current Port Renfrew halibut record weighing in at a mammoth 240 pounds!

Big “Barn Door Halibut” are also common in our area. While we do catch barn door halibut, since these fish are all mature females that have made it to the breeding stage, we do not go out of our way to specifically target them (it’s a bit like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs).

Depending on the conditions and the tides, your guide may decide that we should fish for halibut first, or do so after we’ve reeled in a few trophy salmon. If it’s “hali time”, we’re headed to the world renowned halibut fishing paradise – the Swiftsure Banks! Once we get there, we’re fishing Vancouver Island halibut with sturdy six foot rods and level wind reels spooled with 100 lb test thin braided line.

On our pilot house boats, each man takes a corner and drops the gear. Bombs away! You are sport fishing BC halibut – West Coast Vancouver Island style!

For you first timers, it’s a fight man! These fish are tough, true denizens of the deep and top of the food chain. They hit hard and fight like champions. There is no finesse here, halibut have one thing in mind, and one thing only – try to get back to the bottom – and you are going to have to work hard to bring them up.

While halibut can grow to hundreds of pounds and most first-time halibut sport fishermen are hoping to land a giant fish, after battling with a 40 pounder, most say that was plenty enough fight for them!

What makes us unique:

  1. Located on the rugged west coast of the island but also close to Victoria.
  2. Close to both the West Coast Trail and Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video

What We Catch

List
Species Availability Calendar
  • Halibut 1Halibut
  • Lingcod 2Ling Cod
  • Chinook 3Salmon - Chinook (King)
  • Coho 4Salmon - Coho (Silver)
  • Pink 5Salmon - Pink (Humpback)
  • Sockeye 6Salmon - Sockeye (Red)
SpeciesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Halibut
Ling Cod
Salmon - Chinook (King)
Salmon - Coho (Silver)
Salmon - Pink (Humpback)
Salmon - Sockeye (Red)

Our season runs from June 1 to Sept 15.

Packages/prices

Estimated PER-DAY fishing vacation rate:

US$591.11
CA$800.00
£464.37
€543.68

PER PERSON

2 nights / 1 days fishing

Four people

US$628.05
CA$850.00
£493.39
€577.66
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
2 nights / 1 days fishing

Three people

US$775.83
CA$1,050.00
£609.48
€713.58
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
2 nights / 1 days fishing

Two people

US$942.08
CA$1,275.00
£740.08
€866.49
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
3 nights / 2 days fishing

Four people

US$1,256.10
CA$1,700.00
£986.78
€1,155.32
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
3 nights / 2 days fishing

Three people

US$1,477.77
CA$2,000.00
£1,160.92
€1,359.20
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
3 nights / 2 days fishing

Two people

US$1,921.09
CA$2,600.00
£1,509.19
€1,766.97
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
4 nights / 3 days fishing

Four people

US$1,773.32
CA$2,400.00
£1,393.10
€1,631.04
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
4 nights / 3 days fishing

Three people

US$2,142.76
CA$2,900.00
£1,683.33
€1,970.85
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
4 nights / 3 days fishing

Two people

US$2,659.98
CA$3,600.00
£2,089.65
€2,446.57
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person

NOTES

Rates based on double occupancy per room.

Unless otherwise stated, prices do not include taxes, gratuities, or fishing license/stamp.

This lodge charges in $CAD.
Prices that have been converted to your chosen currency are based on today’s exchange rate. This lodge charges in $CAD, so the amount billed to you may be different than the converted value shown here. Source: openexchangerates.org

What's Included?

How many hours of guided fishing?

8 hours

Return transportation:

If YES, the lodge covers all transportation costs to and from the Travel Destination. If NO, you are responsible for all costs getting to and from the lodge.

Equipment / gear / tackle / bait:

Fish processing:

Cleaning, filleting, vacuum packing and refrigerated (or frozen) storage.

All meals / snacks / non-alcoholic drinks:

Alcohol:

Other:

Fish processing is available on-site for a cost of $1.80/lb. Travel coolers also available to purchase.

Deposit required: 50%

Balance due: at checkout.


CANCELLATIONS & GROUP SIZE CHANGES

  • Your group must notify us of a cancellation 30 days prior to your trip’s scheduled start date to receive a refund of your deposit, on which there is a 30% administrative fee held back.
  • We need to be informed of changes to group size prior to your arrival. Prices will change according to group size. Please phone us for pricing details.
  • Deposits from individuals cancelling will be used towards the increase the other group members will be required to pay.
  • If you need to adjust the date of your trip, we do understand that life is unpredictable and we will try to rebook your fishing trip.

Payment Methods Accepted
Credit cards:
PayPal:
Check/cash:
Wire transfer/bank draft:
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Weather

°C / MM
°F / IN.

Temperature, °C

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

mm

Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
7
-1
66
Feb
8
-1
38.4
Mar
11
1
37.8
Apr
14
4
22.6
May
18
7
23
Jun
21
11
14.7
Jul
24
13
8.3
Aug
24
12
8.4
Sep
21
9
9.1
Oct
15
5
37.7
Nov
9
2
74
Dec
6
-1
64.8

Temperature, °F

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

inches

Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
44
30
2.6
Feb
47
30
1.51
Mar
51
34
1.49
Apr
57
38
0.89
May
64
45
0.9
Jun
69
51
0.58
Jul
76
55
0.33
Aug
76
54
0.33
Sep
70
48
0.36
Oct
58
41
1.48
Nov
49
35
2.91
Dec
44
31
2.55

ACCOMMODATIONS

Description

CABINS
Our two large cabins, at 1200 sqare feet each, are ideal for groups and families. Each cabin has two private bathrooms and two large bedrooms, with two double beds and one twin bed in each, sleeping up to six people. The fully-equipped kitchen includes all utensils and gadgets, so there is no need to bring anything with you. There is a free Wi-Fi connection available throughout each cabin and the large living areas contain flat screen TVs with cable.

Our popular “Shorthouse Cabin” has three bedrooms with four beds, two bathrooms, a coffee counter and living room.

SUITES
Sleeping up to 4 people, Trailhead Resort’s “bachelor” suites include a full kitchen (including utensils, glasses, gadgets, etc.), private bathroom with shower and an outdoor deck with patio furniture. You will sleep comfortably in one of the room’s two queen beds, topped with cozy feather duvets for a warm and peaceful night’s sleep. Every room is fully-equipped with flat screen cable TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi internet connectivity.

Details

Corporate buyout:

A corporate buyout is a single group booking the entire lodge. Often done for executive retreats.

WiFi available:

Maximum capacity:

15

Average travel time to fishing grounds:

45-60 mins

Amenities

BBQ, crab cooker, fire pit, hot tub.

Meals

Starting with a hot breakfast of bacon, eggs, pancakes and french toast to start each fishing day, the friendly and attentive staff at Trailhead will make sure that you have everything you need to have a great day out on the water.

Your lunch is served to you right on the boat, along with snacks and drinks that are available at any time throughout the day.

When you return to the lodge after each day of fishing, a seafood dinner awaits, featuring the finest West Coast cuisine. Your seafood dinner is served in the evening and may include sushi, smoked salmon, BBQ salmon, or battered halibut and chips and is always served with a delicious homemade desert to end the meal.

Afterwords at the lodge, you can relax in front of the TV and take in a game, enjoy a drink on the deck, soak in the hot tub, play a game of poker, or just listen to some tunes around the bonfire.

Other Activities

Kayak tours, whale watching, hiking, surfing, beachcombing.

BOATS

Description

Trailhead Resort has 3 vessels, each custom designed & built for West Coast Vancouver Island fishing by Silver Streak Boats on Vancouver Island. Comfortably outfitted with large heated cabins, enclosed marine toilets, satellite stereos and enormous fishing platforms, these boats were custom built to our specs for the job at hand – busy, active and safe West Coast BC fishing.

GEAR
We tailor our gear to the type of fishing you are doing on the day, so whether you are fishing for Chinook or Coho salmon, or fishing for Halibut & other bottom fish, you’ll always be using new, high quality gear that suits the conditions and optimizes your chance to max out your daily quota.

All of our rods and reels are in great condition with fresh line and terminal tackle. When trolling for salmon, we use 10.5 foot limber salmon rods with West Coast single-action reels and new, high quality line and leaders. Halibut rods are sturdy 6 footers with heavy duty double action reels and 100 lb braided line to ensure the fat monster on the other end doesn’t get away. We have extra rods and reels ready on the boats, so we don’t waste time on tangle ups or gear problems, you just fish and enjoy the water.

To accurately target the fish at the right depth when trolling, we use up-to-date Scotty downriggers with maximum weight. Once you’ve hooked on to a fish, we’re able to retrieve the trolling gear with speed so your fight with the fish is uninterrupted.

GUIDES

At Trailhead, our seasoned guides use proven techniques, developed and perfected exclusively on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, to help you catch more fish. Fully certified for salt water fishing and boat operation in our waters, our guides have an absolute passion for sport fishing; this, along with years of friendly customer service, has turned our guides into the best quality, most knowledgeable & safety concious seasoned professionals in the business. Our guides are the best piece of tackle you can take with you, and they work hard to make sure you have a fun, safe and productive day on the water.

With our guides fishing on a daily basis and our boats constantly sharing information back and forth, your opportunities to catch your fishing quota each day is multiplied.

Details

Bathroom:

Heated cabins:

Ratings and Reviews

Travel Planner

Nearest significant city:

The last significant city or town before the final leg of the journey to the lodge. If you are flying, this is where you'll fly to.
 Drive-in access.

Victoria, BC

Transportation to/from the lodge and here is NOT included.
17268-Parkinson-Rd-Port-Renfrew-BC-V0S-Canada

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